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Lavender | | Name : | Lavender | | Synonyms : | Commonlavender
Gardenlavender
Spikelavender
| | Parts Used : | Flowers, leaves | | Habitat : | Lavender is a Mediterranean shrub which is cultivated for its aromaticflowers in the United States and Europe. | | Description : | The stems, growing 1 or 2 feet high, are gray-green and angular,with flaking bark. The gray-green leaves are opposite, sessile, downy,and lanceolate to oblong-linear. The lilac-colored, tubular flowersare arranged in successive whorls up the stem. Each false whorl consistsof 6 to 10 flowers. Flowering time is July to September.
Other varieties: Used interchangeably with L. officinalis;L. angustifolia, L. spica, L. vera.
Harvest the flowers just as they are opening, when the essentialoil content is greatest and the fragrance purest. Cut off the floweringshoots, tie them into bundles, and hang them up to dry in a dust-free,well-ventilated place. This old method of preparation has proved mostreliable, because the essential oil survives best in this way. Oncethe bunches are dry, strip off the flowers and store them protectedfrom light and dampness.
Other varieties: English lavender (L.angustifolia); (L. alba)has white flowers; (L. Jean Davis) has pink flowers; (L. Munstead)dwarf lavender flowers; (L. Twickle purple) very fragrant with softlavender flowers and broader, more silvery leaves; (L. hidcote) 12inches high with purple flowers; (L. provence) 2 foot stems becomesa 3 foot shrub with soft gray foliage; French lavender (L. dentata),also known as fringed or Spanish lavender, has roughly toothed leavesand a camphorous smell: (L. spica) is used medicinally. | | Constituents : | Essential oil, coumarin, triterpene, tannins, and flavonoid.
Antispasmodic, aromatic, carminative, cholagogue, diuretic, sedative,stimulant, stomachic, tonic, relaxant, antibacterial, antiseptic | | Uses : | Used as a nerve tonic, cough cure and anti-paralytic, gargle,mouth-wash for halitosisand improve the gums.An essential oil of lavender, for external application, (no essentialoil should ever be taken internally), soothes headaches,migraines, coldsores, dizziness, reduces inflammation,fever, and calmsangry joints and muscles.
Used in moderation, lavender may be taken as a mild sedative andto relieve fainting spells. Tea steeped from the flowers is a tonic.Prevents fainting and stops nausea.
A decoction of the leaves is a useful remedy for stomachproblems, nausea and vomiting. Once treated dropsy, epilepsy,cramps, convulsions, palsy, toothache.
In aromatherapy, lavender oil is used to promoterelaxation, relieve anxiety, and treat headaches. A traditionalremedy for gassy stomach.
Sometimes used to keep moths away. Not used medicinally much today.Lavender has long been known as a sachet, making perfumes, and delicateflavoring for beverages, cakes, muffins, and fruit soups. Lavenderflowers were once used for centuries to preserve linens from insectsand leave them with a fresh, clean scent. | | Dosage : | A fine nerve tonic may be made by preparing a tincture (Lavandulaecomposita) of lavender, rosemary, crushed cinnamon, and nutmeg. Dabbedon the forehead, this eases nervous headaches and quickly calms afever.
Infusion: steep 1 tsp. leaves in 1/2 cup water. Take 1/2 to1 cup per day.
Oil: take 5 drops on a sugar cube or mixed with 1/2 to 1tsp. honey, 2 times per day.
Bath: mix 5 drops of essential oil in warm water; a soothingbath. | | Safety : | Avoid high doses during pregnancy because it is a uterine stimulant. | | Myths : | One of the most popular medicinal herbs since ancient times; in Arabmedicine, it is used as an expectorant and an antispasmodic. In Europeanfolk tradition it is used as a wound herb and a worm medicine forchildren.
The name lavender comes from the Latin, lavare, to wash and refersto the Roman custom of scenting bath water with the leaves and flowersof this aromatic plant. Used in perfumes, soaps, and sachets.
The early Romans used this herb to scent their public baths. | | Sold : | Spirit of lavender in the pharmacy. |
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